Related Research and Teaching

Last updated 15 February 2023.

The Durham Global Security Institute (DGSi) pursues research across the contemporary security and peace agenda, focusing on the interface between defence, development and diplomacy as the arena where the most important and challenging security issues arise. 

Courses offering the opportunity to learn about international relations include an MSc in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding. 

Our Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) supports innovative research and training for use in policy and practice, collaborating directly with communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and governments.

The International Centre for Moral Injury (ICMI) is an academic research centre formed to study and understand the causes and impacts of Moral Injury and dedicated to opening pathways to recovery. 

Related research areas within the Faculty of Science include the following:  

The Durham Energy Institute works to ensure sustainable and resilient low-carbon energy systems can be developed which meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone. One example of our leadership in energy research is promoting a whole-systems approach to energy research integrating the social, environmental, economic, policy, technical and regulatory implications of energy pathways and choices 

In the Department of Biosciences, the Ecology, Evolution and Environment Research Group explores the relationships between organisms and their changing environment, with one of its primary interests being in the impact of global climatic change on species. Research on Molecular Plant Sciences is cross-disciplinary, linking with industry and other academic institutions.  

In Chemistry, our Catalysis & Sustainable Chemical Processes (CSCP) Grouping brings together researchers with the aim of developing the next generation of sustainable industrial chemical manufacturing processes. Current strategic research areas of the Functional Molecules and Materials Research Grouping include energy generation, storage and conversion. 

The Department of Earth Sciences offers research within three broad themes: Earth Surface Processes and Hazards (including volcanic hazards, tectonics and landslides), Climate, Environment and Resources (covering areas such as waste industrial spoil extraction and geothermal energy) and Physics and Chemistry of Earth and Planetary Processes (incorporating causes and consequences of tectonic processes). 

Within Engineering, there are research challenges clearly aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This includes Advanced Materials, Electronics & Communications, Future Energy Systems and Sustainable Infrastructure. 

The Faculty of Science also offers a number of degree programmes relating to climate, environment and energy:  

Biosciences 

Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise is an MSc offering the chance to gain technical and scientific skills that can support agricultural productivity and the development of new biotechnological innovations. 

Earth Sciences 

Our BSc in Climate Science examines climate change now and throughout geologic time.  

Become a specialist in geoscience for a career in the environmental sector, further study or research through our BSc in Environmental Geoscience. 

Engineering 

The MEng in Renewable Energy gives a broad-based engineering in its first two years, followed by specialisation in Renewable Energy in the final two years.  

The MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy is designed to equip graduates with the skills required to meet the growing challenge of achieving energy and environmental sustainability through the application of renewable and sustainable energy technologies.  

The new MSc in Energy Engineering Management is a joint programme between the Business School and the Department of Engineering designed to equip graduates with the skills to deliver on the Net-Zero transition